Steelers Insider Questions Pickens' Happiness in Dallas

Receiver George Pickens ran out of time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Between penalties, plays off, and a volatile off-field presence, the acquisition of DK Metcalf gave Pittsburgh all the leeway it needed to trade Pickens.

The deal was made shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft, sending Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 Day 3 pick swap.

Now, Pickens is set for a contract year with an even brighter spotlight attached. With better quarterback play, his production should improve. Behind CeeDee Lamb on the depth chart, though, there’s room for things to go poorly.

Steelers insider Brian Batko recently questioned whether Pickens will truly be happy with the Cowboys.

"I don't think that there was an epiphany," Batko told talkSPORT in a recent interview.

"I think there is a legitimate refreshing change of pace for him, just because of the weight of all this – most of them self-inflicted headaches that he caused in Pittsburgh, or headaches that he had to deal with in Pittsburgh. And that naturally engendered a lot of negativity from the fan base, as well.”

There’s every chance that Pickens’ change of scenery proves fruitful. He might be embraced differently by head coach Brian Schottenheimer than Mike Tomlin (although the latter is widely known as a player’s coach). Dak Prescott’s presence should keep him sane, too.

Dallas is also in a competitive window, and if things go right, Pickens could find himself playing meaningful January football.

"You're playing in beautiful Jerry World instead of gritty and grimy Acrisure Stadium in half of your games,” Batko said. “You're in a more pass-happy offense. So, yeah, I think he will be happier."

Pickens isn’t just playing to make a good first impression. He’s hoping to land the extension that he couldn’t in Pittsburgh or set himself up for success as a high-level receiver on the open market.

While that’s a reason to be on his best behavior, it’s possible that pressure mounts with adversity late in the year.

"The question I have about George Pickens is will that happiness remain when you are getting closer to becoming an unrestricted free agent, if your numbers aren't where you want them to be?" Batko asked.

Neither Cowboys fans or the Steelers faithful know how Pickens will perform, on or off the field, in 2025. The two fanbases likely have contrasting ideas on the issue. Regardless, everything Pickens does this season will be under more scrutiny than ever before. It’s on him to redefine himself and his reputation ahead of free agency.